Blantyre Vics Football Club this week unveiled their newly-named ground and revealed their ambitious plans for the future.

The club, formed in 1890, renamed Castle Park the KG Stadium, following a substantial sponsorship from Blantyre businessman Kenny Gormley, owner of Copy Stat Office Systems on Stonefield Road.

And the Vics’ board have huge plans to dig up the grass park on Forrest Street and lay a new 4G synthetic pitch which would be used not only by the first team but also their youth set-up and wider community.

Blantyre Vics president Bill Lowe said: “We are delighted to have received the sponsorship from Kenny Gormley, our vice-president, and we very grateful for his support.

“The sponsorship has allowed us to rename the ground and it has set us in good stead with our plans to become an all-inclusive community club. We certainly have huge plans for this football club over the next 12 months.”

Ian Robertson, head of youth at the club, added: “As well as our renowned first team we have also set up seven boys clubs from the 2000 to 2011 age group. It is our intention to expand on this and introduce more boys and girls to football within Blantyre and wider Lanarkshire.

“There will also be a disability section and a women’s team. We have wonderful facilities at the KG Stadium and believe they should be well used by the community.”

Kenny Gormley, Vics’ vice-president, with president Bill Lowe

Boasting an average attendance of 200 at home games, the SFA Quality Mark club are widely respected in the junior football circle, having won the Scottish Junior Cup a record three times.

Former players include Lisbon Lion legend Billy McNeill, Leeds and Manchester United’s Joe Jordan and the late Celtic manager Jock Stein. Bill continued: “It’s all hands on deck with our plans to move forward and create some great vibes in Blantyre.

“We have this fantastic ground in a prime location and, in time, with a 4G pitch laid it is only right that we share such a facility. We are actively seeking help from local businessmen and businesswomen or members of the public who may wish to help with some small renovation work, and we are also looking for someone to come on board and help us with grant applications – that is imperative to us.

“Anyone who might be able to donate some time to help with either matter can get in touch by calling 07792 211976.”